Maker's 46 Bourbon

Difford's Guide
Discerning Drinkers (2 ratings)
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Bottle size: 70cl
£ 39.95
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alc./vol: 47%

Proof: 94°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of United States United States

Heralded as being "the first new product ever from the Maker's Mark Distillery", Maker's 46 is the result of experiments by Master Distiller, Kevin Smith to create a new whisky based on fully matured Maker's Mark bourbon.

The brand's barrel maker, Brad Boswell came up with the idea of attaching pieces of seared French white oak to the inside of a standard barrel. Fully matured Maker's Mark is emptied from its barrel and the top hoops removed from the empty barrel to allow its head to be removed. Seared wooden staves are then screwed to the inside and the barrel rebuilt. Fully matured Maker's Mark is then put back inside the adapted barrel for an additional two to three months maturation.

We were a little concerned that this additional aging process would disqualify Maker's 46 from being termed a bourbon but apparently the searing of the French white oak qualifies within the Bourbon Association's definition of charring.

The name? During the experimentation process, 46 was the trial profile treatment number assigned by Brad Boswell to the process used to sear the oak staves that produced the desired taste profile.

Review and Tasting


Sampled before 1st May 2011

Appearance:

Clear, golden amber appearance.

Aroma:

Freshly sawn oak with a hint of mineral leady graphite pencil shavings and aromas of tree sap, honey and golden syrup garnished with buttered steamed corn-on-the-cob.

Taste:

Dry oaky, corn rich palate with bursts of green, vegetable leafy flavours which balance sweeter caramel, honey and vanilla notes.

Aftertaste:

Oaky finish with corn and a touch of spice.

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Buy direct from

The Whisky Exchange

Bottle size: 70cl
£ 39.95
the_whisky_exchange store logo

Update information/image

Product Information

Closure: Screw / Stelvin cap

More about Maker's 46

Produced by: Maker's Mark Distillery
Owned by: Beam Suntory
UK distribution by: Edrington-Beam Suntory
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